District Earns Top Communication Awards

The Communication Department at Waukee Community School District (WCSD) brought home several awards at the annual Iowa School Public Relations Association Communications Contest Awards Night April. 18. WCSD earned two Blue and Gold Awards for best entry in a categories social media and website.

The newly redesigned district website is the main source of school news and information. The website now features a news archive section and district events calendar to help parents and communities keep up with the growing district. Social media also plays an imported roll in keeping stakeholders informed. Currently the district uses Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and YouTube to share information.

School public relations professionals from around the state submit their work for multiple categories to the contest each year. This year, the entries were scored by school professionals from Arizona. Entries are scored for design, clarity, quality in writing, overall effect and evaluation. Based on the scores, the entries may receive an Award of Merit or an Award of Excellence with the highest scoring entry in each category receiving the Blue and Gold Award

Communications Coordinator is a relatively new position for Waukee Schools. Nicole Lawrence joined the district in November of 2011 and has spent the last 18 months working to improve the flow of information.

The district received Awards of Excellence for WaukeeBackpack in the category special purpose publication. WaukeeBackpack is Waukee Community School District’s “green” approach to distributing information from school sponsored activities and non-profit organizations.

Awards of Merit were received for Waukee Mobile Site in the category of website, Board Briefs and District Bulletin in the category electronic newsletter, publication or blog. By subscribing to the WCSD email list, individuals receive the district’s e-newsletter and board summary updates. The District Bulletin is a monthly e-newsletter delivered electronically. It provides readers with information regarding district news, student activities, classroom projects and special events. Board Briefs are not official minutes, but provide a brief synopsis of what occurred at the most recent board meeting. This email list is available to all stakeholders, to subscribe click here.